Radiation Oncology

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to damage cancer cells' DNA and destroy their ability to divide and grow. It is delivered using linear accelerators, proton accelerators, metered cobalt-60 exposure, or brachytherapy where radioactive seeds are placed inside the patient on a temporary or permanent basis to kill cancer or relieve pain. The main radiation oncology society and annual conference is the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

breast radiologist breast cancer mammography

Radiation treatment for breast cancer linked to high risk of developing subsequent skin cancer

The danger of developing the disease on or around the breast after radiation is 57% higher than the general population.

radiation oncology therapy treatment

Surveillance imaging of post-treatment cancer patients may cause more problems than it solves

After completing primary radiation therapy, patients in remission from cancers of the head and neck are better served by expectant management than routine imaging.

ovaries ovarian cancer

Pretargeted radioimmunotherapy shows early promise in treating aggressive ovarian cancer

The new-look nuclear medicine treatment was able to cure advanced ovarian cancer in some mice, with limited side effects.

breast cancer mammography mammogram

Some cancer patients may be able to skip the radiation after breast-conserving surgery

Skipping radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery would mean patients get to avoid the side effects linked to radiation exposure. 

Virtual reality hypnosis could alter pain management during interventional procedures

The lead-up to radiation therapy can be anxiety-inducing and painful, but experts are optimistic a new relaxation method that is equal parts ancient and futuristic could help to ease patients’ worries. 

Phillip Cuculich MD explains Noninvasive Cardiac Radiotherapy ablation for ventricular tachycardia as a late-breaking study at HRS 2023. #HRS2023

Radiotherapy VT ablation linked to encouraging 5-year outcomes

"The goal is to treat patients with life-threatening VT in a safer, faster and better way," one researcher explained.

x-ray dosimetry capsule monitors radiation dose during radiotherapy

Swallowable capsule monitors radiation dose in real-time during radiotherapy

Coming in at a diameter of 5 mm and thickness of 0.2 mm, the X-ray dosimeter measures radiation dose up to five times more accurately than standard methods. 

nuc med treatment for non-hodgkin lymphoma

New nuclear medicine treatment could potentially cure non-Hodgkin lymphoma

“If testing is successful in humans, this would represent an excellent new treatment option for patients with this disease.” 

Around the web

The new technology shows early potential to make a significant impact on imaging workflows and patient care. 

Richard Heller III, MD, RSNA board member and senior VP of policy at Radiology Partners, offers an overview of policies in Congress that are directly impacting imaging.
 

The two companies aim to improve patient access to high-quality MRI scans by combining their artificial intelligence capabilities.